Commissioners address rising health insurance rates

The Delaware County Commissioners learned on Monday, Oct. 2, medical insurance deductible will increase next year for county employees.

The deductible is $1,500 and will rise to $1,750, said Vicki Cossairt, human resources director.

Cossairt addressed commissioners Doug Smith and Russell Martin. Commissioner Martin Kirk left the meeting earlier due to a medical issue.

The commissioners then approved a $1,000 Health Savings Card which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2018 for Delaware County employees to use toward the deductible.

In other business, after discussing several aspects of the courthouse security, Martin agreed to discuss with Delaware County Sheriff Harlan Moore different scenarios in providing security for the courthouse.

In financial business the commissioners received two bids: $77,877.35 from Larry Smith Marina and $61,936.87 from Bill’s Marina for a new fire boat for the Cleora Fire Department. No action was taken.

The commissioners also approved for the Kansas Public Board of Education to apply for a $26,175 Grand Gateway REAP Grant. If approved the money would be used to replace a roof on several buildings and help complete construction on an indoor-outdoor classroom.

Also approved was to transfer $3,600 from the Cowskin Fire Department capital outlay department to its maintenance and operations account and to pay a Rose and McCrary PC invoice for work completed on the Jerry Carnes Box Culvert project.

Martin was picked attend the Association of County Commissioners of Oklahoma conference on Oct. 25 and 26. Commissioners also approved the proposed amendments to the bylaw and articles of association by the self-insured group, and self-insured fund.